Chapter 300: Taking the Jade Emperor Fishing

Anshui City's Sea God Temple was—ahem—demolished by the Asura tribe, then conveniently rebuilt and expanded.

The relationship between the Sea God and the Dragon Tribe had evolved considerably since their initial interactions. To express their gratitude to the Sea God, the Dragon Tribe directly deployed their artisans and numerous shrimp soldiers and crab generals.

With the enhancement of immortal and magical powers, it only took half a month to erect Anshui City's new landmark building: the New Sea God Temple.

The temple's scale had multiplied several times, becoming even more solemn and majestic, and adding a touch of splendor.

Following Li Changshou's arrangements, the Dragon Tribe redesigned the main hall into a three-section layout.

The front section was the Sea God Hall, featuring statues of the Sea God, the Great Guardian, true dragon guardian pillars, and more.

After paying respects to the Sea God, worshipers would proceed around to either side, entering the more solemn central section. Here, a large portrait of the Lingxiao Palace hung high, within which sat the obscured figure of the Heavenly Emperor of the Three Realms.

After bowing to the Heavenly Emperor's portrait and circling further, they would enter the rear section. This area was simply furnished, with only a portrait of the Taiji Diagram hanging centrally.

—Li Changshou had considered directly reproducing the portraits of the Sages from Duxian Gate, but he worried that mortals might inadvertently offend the Sages. Therefore, he simply used the Taiji Diagram to represent the Human Dao lineage.

Beyond the Taiji Diagram lay the true core of the Sea God Temple: an inner chamber displaying calligraphies from a Sage and imbued with a wisp of Taiji Diagram's power.

At this moment, the white-clad youth who had alerted Li Changshou's divine sense was standing alone in a corner, admiring the murals crafted by Dragon Tribe masters.

Numerous worshipers who came to pay respects unconsciously overlooked his presence, their gazes not lingering on him.

The divine envoys and temple priests here had previously received instructions from Li Changshou not to overly obstruct "immortals or extraordinary individuals" they encountered.

The white-clad youth was clearly in good spirits; since arriving, the smile on his lips had never faded.

Due to the narrative system propagated by the Sea God Cult over the past decade, which heavily emphasized the role of the "Heavenly Emperor," most worshipers now visiting the Sea God Temple would proceed to the central hall to pay respects to the Heavenly Emperor's image.

Furthermore, the content of the murals had been completely refreshed, changing all instances of "how the Sea God did X" to "how the Heavenly Emperor ordered the Sea God to do X."

Of course, embellished and amusing unofficial histories like "The Untold Story of the Sea God and the Widow Wang of West Street" could not possibly be changed to "The Heavenly Emperor's Order to the Sea God and the Widow Wang of West Street."

Attention to detail truly showed careful consideration.

Just as the white-clad youth was enjoying his viewing, a hurried voice transmission emanated from the rear hall.

"This humble deity pays respects to Your Majesty!"

Hearing the voice, the white-clad youth turned, seeing the familiar thin, old immortal.

Li Changshou quickly approached, holding his whisk, disregarding the astonished worshipers and surprised divine envoys. He walked directly up to the white-clad youth and performed a Daoist bow.

The white-clad youth waved his hand, transmitting, "Before mortals, there's no need for such formality."

Li Changshou, however, subtly frowned, and quickly transmitted, "Your Majesty, why... why have you descended in your true form?"

"There's nothing pressing in Heaven; I just came down for a stroll," the Jade Emperor chuckled lightly. "Let's find a quieter place to talk."

Li Changshou gestured with his side, leading the Jade Emperor to the rear hall.

At this moment, Li Changshou's immortal consciousness carefully probed, only then discovering several white clouds suspended far away in the high sky. Duke Dongmu, with a large contingent of soldiers, was patiently waiting on them.

It seemed the Jade Emperor had ordered them not to follow.

Seating themselves at the main positions in the rear hall, divine envoys brought fragrant tea. Li Changshou personally served the tea, naturally not daring to be rude.

The Jade Emperor smiled, "My dear subject, your temple has been repaired even better than before."

"Last time, evil demons invaded and damaged this temple; it was the Dragon Tribe who helped with the repairs," Li Changshou replied with a smile, standing slightly bowed to the side, his posture outwardly relaxed but inwardly taut.

"Oh? What was that about?"

"It was the Asura tribe..."

Li Changshou then recounted in detail the Asura tribe's previous demolition of the temple, causing the Jade Emperor to frown as he listened.

Indeed, it was cause for a frown.

Demon Tribe, Asura, Primordial Fierce Beasts...

The Western Sect was revealing more and more peripheral forces. Even setting aside the power of the Sages and the disparity among their disciples, the Western Sect's overall framework was already quite "massive."

Moreover, these peripheral forces were pawns the Western Sect could discard at will; even if they were all annihilated, it wouldn't harm the Western Sect's fundamental strength.

The Jade Emperor sighed, "If the Western Sect were to gain the Dragon Tribe, my Heavenly Court would likely forever be a mere formality. It is fortunate to have your assistance, Chang Geng."

Li Changshou smiled, "Your Majesty, this humble deity has done nothing significant. It is merely that the Heavenly Court is gaining momentum and ought to flourish, and Your Majesty is destined to rule the Three Realms."

"Hahaha, it is more like the care of Senior Brother Taiqing," the Jade Emperor laughed several times, then subtly winked at Li Changshou.

Li Changshou couldn't help but frown slightly, and winked back a few times.

The Jade Emperor nodded, then winked again...

Li Changshou lowered his head, pondering for a few moments, feeling a surge of helplessness in his heart.

It seemed the Jade Emperor had come down this time specifically to seek out Lu Ya for trouble, and was quite confident that as soon as he found Lu Ya, he could easily dispatch him.

This...

The Jade Emperor said, "My dear subject Chang Geng, why don't you take me to inspect the Four Seas?"

"How can Your Majesty easily venture into danger?"

The white-clad Jade Emperor chuckled, "What, do you perhaps think, my dear subject, that during the ancient war between the Witch and Demon Tribes, the Demon Emperor of the Demon Court merely hid in the Heavenly Palace?"

"Well," Li Changshou mused slightly, but couldn't help muttering inwardly.

Is Little Leopard's 'Heavenly Dao reverse jinx' really that potent?

He had just set up a memorial tablet for Daoist Lu Ya and offered sacrifices, and here the Jade Emperor himself appeared, intent on seeking trouble for Daoist Lu Ya.

If things continued this way, wouldn't the Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods need a complete script rewrite?

"Your Majesty," Li Changshou transmitted, "this humble deity dares to offer a few words of advice. Your Majesty wishes to observe the suffering of living beings and understand the worries of the Three Realms; this is your compassionate heart. As a subject of the Heavenly Court, this humble deity should not obstruct you. However, Your Majesty is linked to the dignity of the Heavenly Court, to the stability of the Three Realms, and even more so, to the very operation of the Heavenly Dao. Therefore, please prioritize your own safety, and consider the overall situation of the Three Realms as paramount."

"Excellent!"

The white-clad Jade Emperor also assented with a serious expression, his eyes reflecting much comfort.

The Jade Emperor then said, "Since that is the case, there's no need to delay further. Shall we depart now?"

Li Changshou asked with a smile, "Does Your Majesty prefer something elegant, or something more formal?"

"Seeking out that demon remnant is just one thing. I also just happen to want to go out and see things, to relieve some boredom," the Jade Emperor chuckled. "How about we find a small boat, let it drift with the waves, and enjoy ourselves at ease?"

Li Changshou bowed in acceptance of the order, asking the Jade Emperor to wait a moment while he immediately instructed the divine envoys to make arrangements.

After Li Changshou accompanied the Jade Emperor for a stroll around Anshui City, they traveled by cloud to the coastal port. There, a wooden boat, dozens of feet long, was already waiting, with several elderly musicians and a few popular dancers from Anshui City on board...

Meanwhile, high above on a cloud.

Duke Dongmu, observing the scene below with his immortal consciousness, let out a sigh.

'The Sea God is now His Majesty's most trusted...'

'But I was here first...'

'Alas, the position by His Majesty's side has been taken by someone new...'

Only the new are celebrated; who hears the laments of the old?

Then a voice transmission entered his ear: "Duke Mu, stop dawdling. The Jade Emperor plans to enjoy a boat ride across the Four Seas. Quickly select a few highly cultivated Heavenly Generals, have them change into suitable attire, and come to guard His Majesty. If you don't seize this chance for merit now, when will you?"

Duke Dongmu's spirits lifted, and he secretly praised,

'Sea God, you are my brother!'

Immediately, Duke Mu selected several Heavenly Generals. They each changed into long robes and short shirts, and descended towards the sea surface.

They waited along the boat's path. When the wooden boat reached their position, Duke Dongmu bowed in apology, and naturally boarded the boat to watch dances, listen to music—ahem—and personally guard the Jade Emperor.

Li Changshou's Sea God divine power finally found a use today.

—Steering the boat!

Far away, at his main body within Duxian Gate, his primordial spirit grasped the Sea God's divine authority artifact, and his paper avatar instantly received the Sea God's divine power enhancement.

He summoned a current of seawater to envelop the wooden boat, causing it to hover slightly above the sea surface. It flew at high speed with extreme stability, and those on board would not perceive any wind or waves.

Inside the boat cabin, the mortal musicians played with dedication, and the dancers gracefully performed, none of them losing their composure or grace.

They all had Anshui City household registration, and who among them hadn't seen a few immortals?

Moreover, they were paid extra!

Although the cabin was quite spacious, it was, after all, a mortal vessel, and not overly elaborate.

In the main cabin, there was only a low table. The Jade Emperor sat at the head, with Li Changshou and Duke Dongmu accompanying him on either side. They were only about five feet away from the dancers.

Li Changshou knew that the Jade Emperor hadn't descended merely for a stroll, but was growing somewhat impatient waiting for his strategies to unfold, and had personally come down to seek trouble for Daoist Lu Ya.

Therefore, the sea boat flew swiftly along the coast, heading towards the West Sea.

At the very least, they should go to the place where Daoist Lu Ya was last encountered, to accompany His Majesty... as a formality.

Along the way, the Jade Emperor conversed with his two important subjects, discussing several Heavenly Generals who had recently been quite active, and arranging for their promotions.

As they spoke, the musicians and dancers could only sense that these immortals were conversing with smiles, but could not hear what they were specifically saying.

Originally, the conversation between these three Heavenly Court sovereign and subjects was quite normal, but somehow, as they talked, the topic shifted to the Queen Mother...

"Chang Geng," the Jade Emperor frowned slightly, "the Queen Mother recently expressed an intention to hold a Peach Feast in the Jade Pond. This time, unlike previous ones, she wishes to invite some immortals from the Three Sects. This is also a gesture from the Queen Mother, hoping to use the Peach Feast to gain more standing for our Heavenly Court among the immortals of the Three Sects. What do you think of this matter?"

"This matter..."

Li Changshou pondered for a few moments, carefully considering.

He really wanted to say that this matter was inappropriate.

Inviting immortals from the Three Sects to the Heavenly Court to enjoy the immortal peaches, for the Heavenly Court, offered only two benefits: a slight increase in the Three Sects' goodwill towards the Heavenly Court, and a minor boost in the Heavenly Court's presence in the world.

However, the risks were considerable.

Most immortals from the Three Sects currently looked down on the Heavenly Court, believing it to be merely established by Daoism, and that the three Sages were above the Heavenly Court.

If the Heavenly Court overly emphasized formality and the Heavenly Emperor's esteemed position, it could easily annoy some disciples of the Three Sages.

Even a few sarcastic remarks could escalate the matter significantly.

Not to mention the existence of scheming opportunists like Daoist Randeng, who might wish to see the Heavenly Court and Daoism fall out.

Li Changshou said, "Your Majesty, this humble deity believes the time is not yet ripe."

"Oh?" the Jade Emperor chuckled, "Then, Chang Geng, when do you think would be the right time to hold the Peach Feast?"

Naturally, it would be when the peaches ripen, the tribulation ends, and the monkeys are born...

Ahem, just kidding, just kidding. That's a completely different matter.

"When the Dragon Tribe of the Four Seas are conferred titles, and the Heavenly Court's prestige is established," Li Changshou stated, "this humble deity believes that would be when the time is truly ripe."

The Jade Emperor's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he nodded in approval.

Duke Dongmu, standing by, listened quietly, with no intention of speaking.

Li Changshou then meticulously explained to the Jade Emperor the subsequent developments regarding the Dragon Tribe. They now had some initiative, and didn't necessarily have to wait for the Western Sect to make a move.

However, this matter couldn't be rushed; gradually and steadily incorporating the dragons was the best approach.

Music flowed freely, and cups clinked.

With Li Changshou's Sea God divine power augmenting it, the sea boat quickly flew past the southwestern corner of the Five Continents, entering the territory of the West Sea.

The Jade Emperor, who had been conversing happily with Li Changshou, suddenly raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Chang Geng, about thirty-six thousand li to the northwest, it seems there are some dragon princes amusing themselves. Coincidentally, let's seize this opportunity for me to observe the conduct of these dragon princes."

Li Changshou nodded with a smile, but muttered inwardly.

A dragon prince gathering?

Why hadn't Ao Yi informed him of this?

This was not the time to ponder that. Li Changshou immediately adjusted the wooden boat's direction, heading towards the location the Jade Emperor had mentioned.

The Jade Emperor, too, grew excited. "Come, come! Duke Mu and I shall presently pose as your auxiliary deities. You must not reveal my true identity. Since we will be utilizing the Dragon Tribe in the future, I must at least probe their depths and understand their true nature."

Li Changshou explained:

"Your Majesty, the Dragon Tribe, since ancient times, has carried heavy karma. Most of their clansmen live in a state of debauchery and self-indulgence, especially the dragon princes, who are the most serious offenders. From what this humble deity understands, Ao Yi is considered the most diligent among the dragon princes."

"Ao Yi is indeed a promising individual, capable of great use in the future," the Jade Emperor nodded and remarked, then urged Li Changshou to switch seats.

Li Changshou reluctantly took his seat. The Jade Emperor then concealed his aura, suppressed his Heavenly Emperor's majesty, and made his merits and fortune imperceptible.

The Jade Emperor also had Duke Dongmu transform into the appearance of a middle-aged man, before resuming his conversation with Li Changshou.

Li Changshou: ...

This Majesty was simply descending to stroll around, and incidentally see if he could encounter Lu Ya, wasn't he?

In this matter, he couldn't offer the Dragon Tribe much help; it all depended on how these dragon princes performed.

If they happened to encounter any disgraceful situations, then there would be no need to gloss over anything for the Dragon Tribe. After all, the Dragon Tribe ascending to Heaven was merely a win-win cooperation for both the Heavenly Court and the Dragon Tribe.

The wooden boat sped on, swiftly covering over thirty thousand li.

From afar, they spotted a massive sea clam, hundreds of feet in diameter, floating on the sea surface. Its surface glittered with precious light, groups of sea maidens danced leisurely, and music drifted for a hundred li.

Immortal flood dragon soldiers were lined up along the edges, facing the sea with solemn expressions.

On the eastern side of this sea clam immortal vessel, there were over a dozen low tables, laden with delicacies. Beautiful courtesans surrounded each table, and over ten individuals, young and middle-aged in appearance, were drinking and making merry, already quite uninhibited.

"Are we really going?" Li Changshou asked softly.

"Yes," the Jade Emperor replied with a squinting smile, transmitting, "My dear subject, quickly release your aura and see how they react."

This counts as 'fishing for dragons', doesn't it?

Li Changshou sighed inwardly, and without further ado, he released his aura and divine power fluctuations, startling them from a distance.

However, this shock indeed brought a big fish to the surface.

"Hahahaha!"

At a low table beside the dragon princes, a refined-looking youth rose to his feet. His eyes gleamed with intense light, and his aura locked onto Li Changshou, his voice carrying for thousands of miles.

"The Sea God actually came looking for me on his own accord. This truly saves me a lot of effort."

This familiar aura...

This slightly arrogant voice...

Li Changshou frowned slightly, already recognizing this fellow.

The Primordial Fierce Beast, Six-Winged Golden Cicada.

"Sea God, would you be willing to speak with me again?"